Printers used by counterfeiter forfeited

A federal judge has authorized forfeiture of printers used by a Kalispell man to make counterfeit currency.

On Sept. 8, U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen of Missoula ordered federal authorities to seize two printers used by Spencer James Brusell, 38, to make fake $50 bills.

On Aug. 20, Brusell pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement to one felony count of counterfeiting and agreed to forfeit the materials used in the printing scheme.

The printers were Lexmark and Hewlett Packard printers commonly used for domestic and office purposes. The retail value of the printer models when sold new ranges from $250 to $450.  

Christensen set Brusell’s sentencing for mid-December.

Brusell was arraigned in June after being indicted on federal charges.

In court documents, agents for the U.S. Secret Service said that they were tipped off to Brusell’s money manufacturing after he paid for a $250 motorcycle with $50 bills. Pawn-shop owners noticed the bills did not pass muster when tested with a marking pen.

When Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies searched Brusell’s home, Brusell’s wife led them to a room where Brusell makes “art projects.”

In addition to the printers, deputies found a Clorox bleach pen, 33 counterfeit bills, 38 sheets of uncut counterfeit bills, markers and pieces of paper containing counterfeit security strips.

Brusell’s wife later contacted deputies and turned in 21 sheets of paper containing multiple denominations of counterfeit money. She told authorities that she found the fake money in an art box hidden in a bedroom.

Brusell is currently housed in the Missoula County Jail. At the time of his indictment, Brusell was on probation for felony drug, forgery and sexual assault convictions that date back to 1999.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.